Jim florio, former new jersey governor dead at 85 — Former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio.

Trenton, NJ – Former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. Florio was the 49th governor of New Jersey who served from 1990 to 1994. Prior to becoming governor, the Democrat served for 15 years as a U.S. Congressman from 1975 to 1990.

Florio ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1977 and 1981.

In 1981, he lost to Tom Kean, Sr., in one of the closest margins in estate election history.

Florio served on the board of directors of Trump Entertainment Resorts and was a partner in a law firm with former New Jersey Republican State Chairman Doug Steinhardt. He and his wife Lucinda lived in Metuchen.

“Governor Florio was a fighter who never backed down. He was a leader who cared more about the future of New Jersey than his own political fortunes. And he was also a friend whose kind counsel was invaluable to me and countless others across our state,” said current New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Our communities are cleaner today because of the environmental efforts he championed in Congress. And our streets are safer today because of his dogged effort to enact and defend our state’s assault-weapons ban, which remains the law to this day. More than anything, Governor Florio showed that legacies are built by doing the right things. Tammy and I send our heartfelt thoughts to Lucinda, Jim’s children, and all who loved him. Our state has lost a good man, and later this morning I will sign an executive order directing our flags to fly at half-staff in his honor.”

“Governor Florio passed away last night comforted by family and friends. Our partnership was a constant reminder to me that people can disagree on fundamental tenets of government and politics, but still be civil and still be friends. I will miss him,” his friend and business partner, Doug Steinhardt said early Sunday morning.

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